weights and knees

fruity2

Hi all,
Am looking at using weights (has been a long time since I've done any). I know how to do various exercises but my question is, are there any exercises that will help in terms of strengthening/aiding my shonky knees?

I use to do squats with weights but got told that this particular exercise was putting too much stress on my knees. My aim is to help my knees get to the point where I can do squats and/or lunges without my knees giving me grief.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Azdak

Start with the basics. When starting any program for the first time, the best thing is to find the level of resistance that you can do without provoking any pain, and build up from there. It makes no difference how low the initial weight is--you can always do more.

Body weight squats (e.g. stand up from sitting in a chair--with no arm support) or wall squats with a stability ball between your back and the wall; One-leg squats off a 4"-6" step (move vertically up and down, trying to touch heel to floor); step ups on a 10"-12" step (emphasize the vertical movement--try to make the leg on the step do most of the work with little push off from the foot on the floor); leg curls, calf raises.

MostlyWater

you might want to visit a sports dr and do some physical therapy to avoid reinjuring yourself.

GiddyupTim

Are you sure about the squats being bad for your knees? I had ACL replacement surgery and a cartilage repair last year, so I researched squats and stress on the knee quite a bit. I found that squats, generally, put very little stress on the knee, and the ACL in particular, because the muscles are engaged. Even deep squatting is not a problem -- in fact, it is probably better because you glutes and hamstrings get involved when you squat deeply, and that involvement is protective against harmful stress on the knee.
You might want to check it out again. Of course, listen to your doctor and your physical therapist first and foremost.

fruity2

Thanks, I'll take it slow and listen to my body - I guess my aim is to build up the legs muscles which ideally should help support the knees. I'll use my ball against the wall and try those, that should help.